“The current compendia [of chemotherapy] lack transparency, cite little current evidence, lack systematic methods to review and update evidence, and are replete with conflict-of-interest issues… The findings would seem to matter. Up to 75% of all uses of cancer therapies are off label, according to a 2005 estimate by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network”; J. Nat’l Cancer Institute.[1]

Could it be that a significant amount of chemotherapy prescribing, particularly in the last weeks/months of a dying patient, is not based on solid evidence? Could it be that money may be a motivating factor?

Corruption in our country’s money sector has most people I talk to quite upset. Perhaps we are close to “The End of Money and the Future of Civilization”. This is the book by Tom Greco, Jr. I have picked as “book of the month”.[2] It is by far the best book I have read to understand MONEY.

John Adams said that our main problem is not failing to understand the Constitution, but failing to understand money. What is happening to our country is a consequence of allowing usury and greed to manufacture and control our money supply. This trick is pretty old; it is the way aristocracies, plutocracies or the “elite” keep us “peons” from joining the party. Hugo Rodier, MD

Environmental update

As Chairman of the Utah Medical Associations’ Environmental/Public Health Committee I am regularly scanning the literature for studies that show what now seems obvious to almost everyone: a toxic environment affects our health. Recently, the EPA made it official; this opens the door for the Federal government to implement regulations to curve pollution, thereby making Congress unnecessary in this respect.[3] In my opinion, it would be better iflegislation by Congress directed the EPA; then, the voice of the people would count for something. But, can we afford to wait for Congress to act on our polluted foods, water and air? Don’t hold your breath, although we may have to with our air quality being what it is.

Have you been told that you need iodine by someone, only to have someone else tell you that it is not good for the thyroid? We finally have a good study that explains why there are conflicting reports. It turns out that the relationship between iodine and the risk for the occurrence of diffuse goiter shows a U-shaped curve. Nodular goiters are more prevalent in iodine-deficient areas.[4] This means that you need iodine for your thyroid IF you live in areas where the diet doesn’t have adequate amounts;[5] inland and mountainous regions are the main examples, since seafood is the main source of iodine.

Also, atomic fallout from testing in the 40s was not contained in Nevada and Utah; it went all over the United States. Atomic radiation and excessive X-rays have been shown to compromise thyroid function; this is made worse by the 500+ chemicals known to be toxic for thyroid function.[6]

Kelp iodine salt and iodaral are good choices for supplementing iodine. Your doctor may order a urine test to make sure you are deficient.

Grapes update

The Journal of Nutrition published a series of articles on the benefit of grapes. The main antioxidant in grapes, resveratrol, is scheduled to become a pharmaceutical product this year. It has been shown to have multiple and diverse benefits, ranging from cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, insulin sensitizer, lower blood pressure, weight loss, etc. The common denominator is that grapes improve our metabolism.[7] Here are the main articles in the report:

The evidence continues to mount that poor diets make us more depressed[8] and fail to optimize brain function.[9] Yet, we are bombarded by TV ads with smiling, happy people whose depression is cured by just popping a pill. These ads are disingenuous and potentially harmful. “[They] can generate exaggerated beliefs about drug efficacy and encourage the medicalization of ordinary experiences”.[10] But, if you are reading this newsletter you already know that. While prescription drugs help 45% of those who take it, a significant number of those patients could avoid drugs with good nutrition, cleaner environments and smaller egos in our relationships.

Also, cultivate “food for the soul”. There is nothing better than companionship. Loneliness is even contagious. It may lead to depression, sleep problems and other chronic conditions.[12]Exercise also helps depression, as much as antidepressants do.[13] It is also relaxing and calming, due to its effect on reducing oxidative stress and generating new neurons.[14]

Gut and nutrition update

“Inflammatory bowel disease (Chron’s, Ulcerative colitis) results from an inappropriate inflammatory response to intestinal microbes in a genetically susceptible host. Genetic studies highlight the importance of host–microbe interactions in the pathogenesis of these diseases”. New England J. of Medicine[15]

Now that the New England J. of Medicine is writing about it, you can expect your neighborhood doctor to start paying more attention to your diet and its effect on the micro-organisms in the intestines. Read other recent studies on this concept:

“Gut microbiota fermentation of prebiotics [fiber] increases satietogenic and incretin gut peptide production with consequences for appetite sensation and glucose response after a meal”; this means that probiotics ferment fiber; this helps you feel full after eating.
Am J Clin Nutr 2009 90: 1236

“Prescribing an Antibiotic? Do Not Forget the Probiotic”,
J. Gastroenterology 2009;137:1846

“High-Fat Diet Determines the Composition of the Murine Gut Microbiome Independently of Obesity”. Bad diets mess with your intestinal organisms, even if you are not obese.
J. Gastroenterology 2009;137:1716

“Serotonin Has a Critical Role in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Colitis”.

I included this study to remind you that 95% of serotonin is found in the intestines; as you heal the gut your cognitive and emotional issues will improve.
J. Gastroenterology 2009;137:1562

“Soy Wrong”

That means “I am wrong” in Spanish, kind of.

It also means that soy-haters need to acknowledge they have been wrong.

The data continue to pile up that soy is beneficial. The last articles I have read again support its use to lower cholesterol,[16] and even recommend it for women WITH breast cancer.[17] Read my blog on “the religion of soy-haters”. Despite all the evidence, soy-haters will not accept that soy is an “adaptogen”; it provides what the body needs at the time, that is, more or less natural estrogen activity.[18]

[1] “Drug Compendia in Oncology: are they flawed?” J. National Cancer Institute 2009;101:1604

[2] No more boring blogs on bad books; only the best one out of each month’s reading

Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult your health care practitioner with any questions or concerns you may have.